Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

Greenkeepers on the 18th green during the first preview day ahead of the The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Picture date: Sunday July 13, 2025.

Hole-by-hole guide: The Open at Royal Portrush

Royal Portrush, hosting the Open Championship for just the third time, will measure 7,381 yards - only 37 yards longer than when Shane Lowry lifted the Claret Jug in 2019. Here is a closer look at the venue.

Golf • 16 Jul

Portrush became an even more valuable future broodmare with her Yarmouth maiden success

Enable's half-sister Portrush wins by the seaside

Portrush took the first small step towards emulating her half-sister Enable after striking gold at the second time of asking at Yarmouth.

Racing • 17 Jul 20

Shane Lowry laps up the adulation of the crowd at Portrush

The Clara Jug - Four Days In Portrush

Last July Offaly's Shane Lowry joined golf's most elite group of players when he won his first major, one of the sport's four most prestigious tournaments. This RTÉ Radio 1 documentary relives that special weekend.

Golf • 27 Dec 19

Open leader Lowry eager to savour life at the top

A year after sacking his caddie following his fourth straight missed cut in The Open, Shane Lowry will take a share of the lead into the third round of the year's final major.

Golf • 19 Jul 19

The Irish Open was held in Portrush in 2012.

No Portrush concerns for Open after heavy rainfall

There are no concerns about Royal Portrush links golf club ahead of the Open Championship after heavy rainfall on Wednesday.

Golf • 11 Jul 19

Graeme McDowell finished on five over par

McDowell looks forward to Pebble Beach after tough week

Graeme McDowell was happy to escape Bethpage with only superficial damage as he looks forward to returning to the scene of his greatest triumph.

Golf • 19 May 19

R&A admit concerns for Open in Portrush due to Brexit

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers admits he will pleased when this year's Open Championship at Royal Portrush is over after revealing the "significant concern" being caused by Brexit.

Golf • 26 Feb 19

G-Mac and Dunne lead Irish charge as McIlroy struggles

Graeme McDowell and Paul Dunne were the best of a strong home charge at a moody Portstewart on Thursday, carding five-under 67s as tournament host Rory McIlroy endured a frustrating afternoon.

Golf • 06 Jul 17

Irish support boosted Portrush Open bid

The decision to bring the Open championship back to Northern Ireland was influenced by overwhelming evidence of the region's huge appetite for golf, organisers the R&A has revealed.

Golf • 17 Jun 14

The 2012 Irish Open at Portrush drew huge crowds

Portrush looks set to host 2019 Open

A month after insisting it remained "some distance" from being able to stage the Open in Northern Ireland for the first time since 1951, the R&A is set to announce Royal Portrush will host the championship in 2019.

Golf • 13 Jun 14

Keegan Bradley teeing off at the highly successful 2012 Irish Open at Portrush

R&A play down Portrush Open reports

The R&A insist it remains "some distance" from being able to stage the Open Championship in Northern Ireland for the first time since 1951.

Golf • 11 May 14

Rory McIlroy: 'It's a long way down the road, maybe ten years or so, but I would love to play a major championship at home'

McIlroy welcomes Portrush US PGA possibilty

Rory McIlroy has welcomed the news that Royal Portrush has emerged as a surprise contender to stage the US PGA Championship.

Golf • 15 Nov 13

Pádraig Harrington plays his second shot on the first hole today

Pádraig Harrington in contention at Irish Open

Pádraig Harrington, one of only two home winners of the Irish Open since 1982, has given himself the chance to do it again.

Sport • 30 Jun 12

McDowell tries to remain focused

Graeme McDowell, runner-up at the US Open a fortnight ago, does not want to be swept up by what is happening in his home town this week.

Golf • 27 Jun 12

Rory McIlroy has four missed cuts in his last five starts

McIlroy looking for repeat of Portrush heroics

It is a question thousands of golf fans are sure to be asking this week as they pack Royal Portrush for the first Irish Open in Northern Ireland since 1953.